
Announcement
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Royal Mail strike action many orders may be delayed so please leave more time for your order to arrive.
I send all my orders (UK and overseas) by Royal Mail standard delivery which is not tracked. However, I offer an alternative to untracked postage which you can choose when you check out.
Items
Reviews
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Debbie on 22 Jan, 2023
5 out of 5 starsGreat item, good instructions, including a brief history of the buttons.
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Kay on 20 Jan, 2023
5 out of 5 starsPacked beautifully, brought as a gift to do with my friend when we next meet at our caravans in March 👍
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Jurryt on 18 Jan, 2023
5 out of 5 starsVery good instructions in text in pictures. Good value for money.
About DorsetButtons
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I love using vintage thread as can be seen in this button
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This is a Dorset Button known as a High Top I made for a commission
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Variegated thread works well when working Dorset Buttons
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This is my twist on the Dorset Button known as a Singleton
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Dorset Button and beads
Welcome to Henry's Buttons - for all you want to know about the heritage craft of Dorset Buttons
My interest in the Dorset Button industry was developed during my time as Chairman of two museums - Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden and Gold Hill Museum. Social history has always been an interest of mine and Dorset Buttons stemmed from this interest. Having read the available history on these small simple buttons, and seen them in museum collections, I realised how important they were in shaping the livelihoods of ordinary people living in East Dorset. This interest grew into a passion and I not only learnt how to make Dorset Buttons, but also researched their history and the impact of national events on this cottage industry.
I learnt the techniques of how to make the basic Dorset Cartwheel Button from a kit, and developed my skills with the help of a master Dorset Buttoner, Joan Nicholls. From this basic button, I have since managed the skills of making all four types of Dorset buttons:
1. High Top and Dorset Knob: the first Dorset Buttons and made with sheep’s horn, fabric and thread
2. Birdseye and Mite: using just fabric and thread.
3. Singleton: made with wire rings, fabric and thread.
4. Dorset Cartwheel and Blandford Crosswheel: using wire rings and thread.
My buttons have a variety of uses notably commissions for film work, including the recent “Far From the Madding Crowd” starring Carey Mulligan who wore them on many of her outfits. To provide authenticity to period costumes I work with Living History Groups, including Hampton Court Palace, where I made buttons of the re-enactors from the Georgian chocolate kitchen. I have also designed buttons for fashion designers and take individual commissions.
My aim is to keep this heritage craft alive into today’s environment. My Dorset Buttons are worked in the traditional way using contemporary materials and designs. I run workshops, give talks and presentations and participate in festivals and shows. I sell my buttons through the Cygnet Gallery, Shaftesbury, and supply rings, kits and instructions for making Dorset Buttons through my online shops at www.henrysbuttons.co.uk and Henry’s Buttons Etsy Shop.
Shop members
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Anna McDowell
Owner
Start here for all you want to know about the heritage craft of Dorset Buttons. Henry's Buttons is based near Shaftesbury in Dorset, the birth-place of the Dorset Button industry in the 1600s. My aim is to help to keep this tradition alive.
Production partners
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metal rings
China
Wholesale from China
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Booklet and Greeting Card printers
England, United Kingdom
I use local printers to print my booklet and cards.
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Hair Stick
England, United Kingdom
Wooden hair and shawl stick
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Julia Hall
Shaftesbury, England
Julia is an experienced knitter and crochet and I use her for projects that are way beyond my capabilities.
Shop policies
Delivery
Customs and import taxes
Payment options
Returns & exchanges
Cancellations
Cancellations: not accepted
Please contact the seller if you have any problems with your order.